Crashed 2011 Monaco Vesta

[VestaDave]

I can't believe this but I just crashed my new MH on my way to the dealer for the latest Vesta recall. I was on a narrow bridge on the inside lane when I noticed a small truck was drifting into my lane. I adjusted slightly to the right but it was about an inch too much and WHAM. I damaged 3 storage doors and the rear edge of the entry door. I haven't yet talked with our AAA adjuster but the dealer said it would be around 20,000. The damage is all cosmetic so that seems a little high. This is my first collision where I'll be filing a claim so I could use a little advise. Has anyone had any bodywork done on a MH? Does this Dealer estimate seem excessive ? Are there pitfalls that I should be watching for? I'm all ears!

[Rex]

Not many, IF any, dealers do body work. They send it out. You need to find a good body shop that has room to work on a rig the size of your coach and get an estimate from them.

[Rick Long]

Next time let 'um hit you then THEIR insurance has to worry about it.

[toneumanns]

Had my MH 5 days & I was backed into at a gas station. 2 small hits on the fiberglass bumper. Took it to a place that specialized in RV & boat repair. He charged $5,500.00 which I thought was outrageous but their adjuster said OK. Guess like everything else in RV business..........$$$$$$$$$.

[boaterok]

It really doesn't matter if its high or low, its what the adjuster is willing to pay. Usually these specialty body jobs are way to high because they can get it. In the automotive world it is real competitive and the adjusters will cut it down to thepenny and thats what the body shop will do it for. Good luck.

[wanderso]

Sad to hear that you got a ding in the rig so soon. Keep us up to date in how it works out with the repair.

[Thorp]

Try to get the adjuster to replace the doors rather than fill them with Bondo. Call Monaco to see how much the doors sell for. You might have to contribute to the autobody invoice, but it will then be like new. Be persistent and it should work out just fine.

[VestaDave]

I really wish I hadn't moved but I think it just instinct. It would have been far better if the truck had hit me. Thanks for your comments. I'll just brace myself. By the way what rate increase can I expect next year? Any thoughts?

[bluepill]

See if your Insurance company has "Approved" or "Network" repair shops that will offer a lifetime warranty on the work.

I am having rear cap repairs made to my MH, and the shop is a Progressive network shop. Progressive (not just the shop) gives me a life of ownership warranty. Any problems down the road (even if the shop went out of business) and I am covered.

[John Haggard]

maybe none,

visit with Monaco before you get an estimate.
You can order the new doors and install them.
You may only need some painting done. ?

[radams]

Man, that just sucks. I know how I would feel it it were me. Fortunately, everything can be replaced or fixed.

I had body work done by a big rig truck body shop and was very satisfied. I didn't do it to save money but to get experienced personnel that worked on large equipment for a living. Lots of experience with Fiberglas, aluminum, paint, etc. In fact, they were replacing the roof on a 45' rig when I was in there.

Got my fingers crossed for you. Let us know how it all turns out.

[boaterok]

I doubt if this will effect your insurance rates at all unless you have had ALOT of oops in the last couple of years.

[deSanford]

When I was in Coberg, Or. at the Monaco service center I saw two rigs parked for body work. I would have them do the work.........paint etc. They have the talent and great paint booths. Just my .02..........sorry about your OOPS.

[VestaDave]

Quote:

Originally Posted by boaterok I doubt if this will effect your insurance rates at all unless you have had ALOT of oops in the last couple of years.

No, this is my first claim ever where I'd be deemed responsible. So, I sure hope you are right. If I could get the MH up to Ore. that would great because they do have the talent up there. This job will require some skilled metal fabrication.